2025-09-01T23:02:56Z

Imagine relying on a port to ship vital resources, only to have it shut down repeatedly due to unpredictable weather! That's exactly what's happening at Geraldton Port in Western Australia, where severe winter storms have caused record-long shipping delays, leaving exporters and farmers in a financial frenzy.

This port is not just any port; it’s a lifeline for the Mid West, playing a crucial role in exporting iron ore and grain. But this year, the combination of winter storms and prolonged waves has wreaked havoc, creating water surges that have closed the port for an astonishing amount of time, racking up costs that are enough to make anyone's head spin.

Collette Newton, the general manager of CBH Group, which operates most of the grain loading facilities at the port, explained that they lost a staggering 900 hours of loading time. That’s more than double their previous record! This massive surge in delays is a direct result of winter storms, leaving exporters scrambling to find alternatives.

But the impact doesn’t end there. Each day that ships linger around Geraldton represents a significant cost. For instance, the bulk carrier Kea was stuck for 41 days while waiting to be loaded with wheat, costing an estimated $615,000 in lost shipping time alone. Ships like the YM Summit and others have also been anchored for over 30 days due to these delays, leaving exporters contemplating whether it's time to rethink their shipping strategies altogether.

As a response to these challenges, CBH has been proactive, shifting some vessels to other ports and increasing road capacity to ease the pressure. They’ve managed to export nearly 3 million tonnes of grain this season, a feat they are understandably proud of, especially considering the difficulties they’ve faced!

The port is scheduled to undergo a $350 million upgrade next year, which includes a 400-meter breakwater designed to help mitigate the impact of surge. Damian Tully, chief executive of the Mid West Ports Authority, stated that this upgrade could potentially reduce surge delays by 60 to 80 percent. It’s a necessary step, as the port has seen an unprecedented number of weather-related disruptions this past winter.

For Fenix Resources, a key player in the iron ore game, the situation hasn’t been easy either. Executive chair John Welborn emphasized that the surge events hinder their ability to ship iron ore efficiently, leading to delayed revenue. Yet, despite these challenges, they still manage to turn vessels around fairly quickly, showcasing the resilience of these operations amidst chaos.

As the region gears up for a brighter future with upgrades on the horizon, the question remains: will these solutions be enough to keep the vital shipping lanes open, or will weather continue to play spoilsport in the heart of Western Australia’s export industry?

Stay tuned for more updates as we track the developments of this ongoing saga!